Expert prediction
Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Picks & Preview (Mar 10)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
The biggest horse racing event in the United Kingdom gets underway on March 10, as the four-day Cheltenham Festival kicks off on Day 1 with three Grade Ones headlining the action. You can find a preview for the opening day of the Festival and our Cheltenham Festival Day 1 picks here.
How to Watch
- When: Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 8:20 AM ET
- Where: Cheltenham Racecourse, England
- How to Watch: FanDuel TV/Racing TV
Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Guide
The opening day of the Cheltenham Festival kicks off with the G1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. A full rundown of the running order for the opening day of the Festival can be found below:
- 8:20 AM ET- G1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle
- 9:00 AM ET- G1 Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase
- 9:40 AM ET- McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle
- 10:20 AM ET- Ultima Handicap Chase
- 11:00 AM ET- G1 Champion Hurdle
- 11:40 AM ET- Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase
- 12:20 PM ET- National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase
ALSO SEE: DuraMAX Grand Prix Picks, Odds & Preview (Mar 1)
Cheltenham Festival Day 1: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Pick & Preview
As is traditionally the case, the Cheltenham Festival kicks off with the G1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, run over two miles on the Old Course. Old Park Star and Mighty Park have been prominent in the betting, while the unproven El Cairos was also favorite four weeks ago.
A wide-open renewal kicks off the Festival, but Idaho Sun could be the forgotten horse at the prices for the Harry Fry yard.
The six-year-old is perfect in three starts under rules, and he took his form to the next level on Boxing Day when easily putting three lengths between himself and Mydaddypaddy in the G1 Formby. Has Festival experience to his name after finishing an excellent sixth in last year’s G1 Champion Bumper. Plenty to like, and the relentless speed of the Supreme will suit.
Free Pick:
Cheltenham Festival Day 1: Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase Pick & Preview
A red-hot renewal of the G1 Arkle is the second race on the Cheltenham card this year, with Lulamba and Kopek Des Bordes both being likely favorites. However, the fact that the latter has only run once over fences is a major concern. The former is also prone to jumping mistakes, which could damage his chances in this unforgiving speed test over two miles.
Therefore, I’m a huge fan of Irish Panther. The Eddie & Patrick Harty runner is an out-and-out two miler, and was only narrowly denied by multiple Grade One-winner Romeo Coolio at Christmas.
Easily beat the talented Jacob’s Ladder by eight lengths on chase debut, and despite his age, he is one that will be suited by this test. Salvator Mundi is an interesting each-way angle if aimed at the race.
Free Pick:
Cheltenham Festival Day 1: Champion Hurdle Pick & Preview
The feature on Day One comes in the form of the G1 Champion Hurdle, which has had an unpredictable feel surrounding it. Constitution Hill’s absence is noted, while no decision has yet been made official as to whether Lossiemouth will take her chance.
The New Lion feels like he is better over further than two miles, while the reigning champion, Golden Ace, picked up the pieces and was a fortunate winner of the race 12 months ago. Brighterdaysahead is yet to show her very best form at Cheltenham.
Therefore, Poniros could be an outstanding play. Last year’s shock G1 Triumph Hurdle winner returned to jumps action at the Dublin Racing Festival with an eye-catching third in the G1 Irish Champion Hurdle. Has Festival form to his name, and could be the pick of Paul Townend for the dominant Willie Mullins stable.
Free Pick:
Cheltenham Festival Day 1 Picks
| Race | Pick |
|---|---|
| McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle | Secret Force |
| Ultima Handicap Chase | Quebecois |
| Sun Racing Plate Handicap Chase | Waterford Whispers |
| National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase | Bossofthebrownies |
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